S E L F – C A R E

/ self-‘ker /

[noun]

The practice of actively preserving or improving one’s own health.

Self-Care stems from Positive Psychology, a practice that normalizes a focus on well-being and enhancement of one’s quality of life.

Everyone can benefit from self-care.

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When you really consider what defines self-care, you may realize…

It’s not always about what you want to do, but what you know will benefit you in the long run.

Ask yourself:

“What does my body need? What does my mind need? What can I do to meet those needs?”

Maybe what you need is to move your body.

Self-Care is taking a walk – even when you don’t feel like it. Start by stretching. Then move at any pace that feels comfortable.

Maybe you’ve been putting off setting up doctors’ appointments.

Self-Care is setting aside 15 minutes in your day to make those calls. When we don’t

block out a specific time, it’s easier to delay taking action – especially during work hours.

The expectation of stress around this to-do item may build up in your mind, but when you finally check this off of your list, you will feel like a weight is lifted from your shoulders.

Maybe your thoughts are all over the place. Self-Care is…

Reading a book.

Doing a puzzle.

Writing in a journal.

Maybe you can be a little hard on yourself.

Self-Care is identifying and reciting daily affirmations: I am enough. I am doing my best. I am still learning. I am loved.

Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from others.

Self-Care is calling a loved one. Update them on your life. Let yourself feel heard. Tell

someone that you love them.

Maybe you have trouble saying “No.”

Self-Care is setting boundaries. Did you tell yourself you would only work

until 5:00pm?

Keep that promise.

Maybe you find that you compare yourself to others. Maybe you recognize that you tend to feel down after scrolling through your phone.

Self-Care is setting your phone to do-not-disturb. Log out of social media apps.

Be intentional with self-care engagement. Ask yourself:

“How does scrolling through __whatever your preferred app is__ serve me today?”

If the answer is “it doesn’t” – put the phone down.

“Okay but what if someone needs me?”

Self-Care can mean putting yourself first.

You expect me to try this EVERY day? But ________ (fill in the blank).

“I have responsibilities. I don’t have the option of putting myself first.”

That would be selfish

Engaging in Self-Care may not be easy. You have to make time for this. Make this a normal part of your routine. Squeeze in five minutes when you can, because we know that five minutes is better than nothing.

Taking care of yourself is necessary for you to be your best self – to be the best friend, parent, sibling, teacher, therapist, *person you can be. You need to put yourself first to prevent burnout.

Self-Care is not Selfish.

If you or someone you know is struggling with managing stress and self-directed strategies for managing these challenges have not worked, please reach out to us. You can visit our website at https://qhealthonline.com/ or give us a call at 1-833-QHCARES. We look forward to speaking to you.

Written by Caroline Cole